A silver-white private jet emblazoned with a bald eagle descended upon the capital of Wakanda...
As Sean stepped down the stairs, the magnificent palace and towering skyscrapers came into view.
Wakanda was a nation where modern prosperity intertwined with primal ruggedness. There were young elites dressed in sharp suits alongside elders who preserved tribal traditions. The stark contrast between soaring high-rises and scattered huts created a strange yet harmonious sense of contradiction.
After nearly two weeks, General Ross had finally taken control of the city. During this time, both sides engaged in repeated negotiations, probing, and even armed suppression before reaching a tentative consensus and maintaining a delicate balance.
Strictly speaking, even though General Ross had won the war, fully securing Wakanda's vibranium resources remained a daunting task.
This hidden Third World nation in Africa revered martial prowess and possessed an indomitable will. Despite NATO forces occupying the capital, Wakandans had launched no fewer than twenty assassination attempts in just two weeks.
The most notable resistance came from the Jabari Tribe residing in the snowy mountains. Their leader, M'Baku, viewed surrender to colonizers as disgraceful and had rallied a group of rebels.
Unlike the other four tribes, the Jabari worshipped the white ape god Hanuman as their totem. They clung to ancient customs, rejecting vibranium and modern technology.
Now, they stood as Wakanda's last defenders, drawing in swathes of young recruits and even gaining recognition and support from the nation's nobility.
Compared to the swift conquest, post-war governance proved far more troublesome, giving General Ross endless headaches.
Even though the former king, T'Chaka, repeatedly tried to pacify the restless Wakandans, having witnessed the horrors of colonial oppression in Africa during the previous century, they refused to quietly accept defeat and descend into subjugation.
At this point, Ross could somewhat empathize with his old rival, Mattis...
Wakanda's interior was dominated by dense rainforests, impassable to armored vehicles and artillery. Even without the energy shield, aerial strikes proved ineffective, and the jungle terrain was ill-suited for U.S. military operations.
If the Wakandans refused to admit defeat and committed to prolonged resistance, it would become a severe problem.
NATO forces couldn't remain stationed in Wakanda indefinitely. Moreover, in terms of sheer combat prowess, the tribal warriors surpassed even the well-equipped American soldiers.
Take, for instance, the agile and lethal Dora Milaje... These fierce warrior women had nearly breached the super-soldier defenses during General Ross's initial entry into the capital, attempting a decapitation strike against the commanding officer.
Had Ross not undergone Umbrella Corporation's deep-level enhancements, thus transforming into a hulking red behemoth in front of everyone, with his massive body bursting through his ornate dress uniform as he repelled the Dora Milaje... they might have succeeded.
In another timeline, the general would have retired from the military due to heart disease, later becoming Secretary of State and a high-ranking S.H.I.E.L.D. official. But now, he had a new path.
Persuaded by Sean, he accepted an injection of Umbrella's serum, undergoing radical physical augmentation. He was no longer plagued by aging or illness, but had become a humanoid monster akin to the Hulk.
General Ross believed this to be Sean's goodwill, unaware of the deeper machinations at play. Umbrella's Fountain of Youth had gained immense popularity among the elite. Slow aging and enhanced physical prowess was a dream come true for the powerful.
Even billionaires and world leaders could not escape disease and death, nor reclaim lost youth and health. But Umbrella offered a solution. The upper class and celebrities clamored for the Fountain of Youth, oblivious to the fact that they were becoming part of a new breed of humanity.
When society transformed from the top down, with people embracing technological advancements and the changes they brought, a new era would dawn.
That was Sean's true goal...
"You've finally arrived!" General Ross approached Sean.
Conquering Wakanda had not been as easy as anticipated. The natives' unyielding resolve, combined with international scrutiny, prevented the U.S. from employing outright brutality.
On one hand, they feared inciting fiercer rebellion. On the other, they still needed the king's cooperation to formally take control of Wakanda's vibranium reserves. They couldn't afford to push too far.
"What terms have you proposed?" Sean asked as he strode into Wakanda's council chamber, ignoring the hostile glares of the tribal elders, and boldly seated himself upon the king's throne.
General Ross didn't object. He knew what was coming. The Wakandans had been stalling, and now they would face the consequences...
"After intense discussions between the White House and the Pentagon, we've put forward some very reasonable demands." The general said, glancing at the composed queen.
Her husband, King T'Chaka, was absent. The aging Black Panther had taken to the front lines during the capital's defense, only to cross paths with Magneto. The Brotherhood's leader had struck too hard, leaving the king half-dead.
Now, the crippled T'Chaka lay paralyzed on his deathbed, barely able to speak. Even Wakanda's advanced technology couldn't save him. Knowing his time was short, the old king had already passed the throne to his son, T'Challa.
"The Pentagon insists that the royal family must voluntarily relinquish all power and dissolve the current government and military. In exchange, we will waive post-war trials and reparations. The new king, T'Challa, and other royals may take their personal wealth into exile, but they are forbidden from setting foot on Wakandan soil without the World Security Council's permission." General Ross laid out the key terms of the ceasefire.
Over multiple meetings, both sides had been testing each other's limits.
The Wakandan royals would never accept the treaty. To be exiled from their homeland in such disgrace with their centuries-old rule erased was a fate worse than death.
So when the terms were announced, many nobles joined M'Baku's rebellion, generously supplying vibranium weapons. Even the high priest Zuri and the dying T'Chaka tacitly allowed the secret distribution of significant quantities of the Heart-Shaped Herb, the very foundation of the royal bloodline's power, which was more precious than vibranium itself.
"A bit excessive, don't you think?" Sean rested his chin on his hand, feigning indifference, "I am a pacifist. As the Supreme Consultant of S.H.I.E.L.D., I was authorized by the World Security Council to mediate this international dispute. I must personally condemn the United States for this barbaric act of plunder!"
General Ross nodded with a grin, having long rehearsed this scenario with Sean before Congress approved the military campaign. Victory was only the first step.
Sean continued, "In my capacity as S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Supreme Consultant, I hereby reject all terms of this treaty."
The tribal elders exchanged bewildered glances. Even the stoic queen was stunned. They were all wondering whose side was this young man on.
"Furthermore, I demand that all NATO forces withdraw from Wakanda within one week and release Prince T'Challa– no, pardon me, the newly crowned King T'Challa. I've already contacted the White House. President Underwood will take responsibility for this incident and issue a public apology."
Sean offered a gentle smile to the assembled elders and royal family:
"Rest assured, as a pacifist, I've never favored solving problems with fists, especially not through something as vile as war."
~~~
Bonus chapter @40 power stones...